Share with Friends

This interview has been viewed 244 times.

Interview with Matt Cole

When did you first start writing?

I was in my early twenties. I had done some commercial copy writing in Broadcasting school. which eventually lead to creative writing and screenplay courses in college. My degree's focus was kinesiology, but I always found time for those writing courses. I really enjoyed them.

What's the story behind your latest book?

I am venturing into the epic fantasy realm for the first time. The story, which I suspect will be novella length, is entitled, The Dawn of Limcat. It is about the rise of a powerful sorceress who is living in exile and hiding from the sorcery faction that overthrew the monarchy of her native land. I hope this universe - the world of Lanza - becomes the stage of an ongoing series.

What motivated you to become an indie author?

I wanted to get some work out there to a broader audience and see how it was accepted and the e-book market allowed me to do that.

How has Smashwords contributed to your success?

I don't fell successful yet. But Smashwords has broadened my audience for sure.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

The creative process - that magic that occurs between brain and keyboard - painting those deliciously dark images in one's mind through eloquent prose .

What do your fans mean to you?

Fans validate the work and in that they have great power. Many writers, if not all, write because they must - they are writers. They would be compelled to write even if alone in the universe. And I am one of those writers. I write for myself, because I must. That there are others out there that enjoy what I have put to the page is great. For they tell me I am not mad . I am not deluding myself.

Years ago I got a wonderful email from a fan who thoroughly enjoyed Ghost Drums and wanted more of Lazarus. That feedback felt so good as it was the first time a fan reached out to me like that. I felt like a "real" writer. I had been validated in the eyes of another.

What are you working on next?

After I complete The Dawn of Limcat, I have a story about the resurrection of Alexander's mummy, I have to complete. I also have an unfinished graphic novel script, At The Throat of God, set in my vampire world of Immortal Nights, i must also get back to.

What is your writing process?

I start with as detailed an outline as I can generate, which is in no way complete, but in fact full of holes. I then get bogged down in early act two and crawl at a snails pace to what I hope is a knock out ending.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?

It was not the first story, but Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice did have a big impact on me. I was in college taking a speculative literature course and the book was part of the assigned reading. I was hooked on Gothic and dark fantasy fiction thereafter. And certainly, Rice's Vampire Chronicles has been a major influence on my own vampire fiction.

Who are your favorite authors?

In epic fantasy it would be Steven Erikson, Glenn Cook, R. Scott Bakker, and of course George R.R. Martin. I love the gritty fantastic worlds these authors have created. For dark Fantasy I enjoy Anne Rice and Caitlin Kiernan for their excellent prose and alluring darkness. For comics and graphic novels, it's Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Scott Synder, Neil Gaiman, and Mike Mignola. Each of these writers has expanded the boundaries of what can be expected of the comic book/graphic novel form.

Published 2013-08-30.

Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author, publisher or reader.

The vampire, Lazarus Kalon, is on his way back to Atlanta to liberate his treasure before the city falls to Sherman's army. Sick from a prolonged thirst, Lazarus, encounters three rebel deserters in the Appalachians. Yet, as Lazarus closes in on the deserters, he is overcome by an awareness that one of these soldiers may be worthy of the immortal gift.

The last thing Cole Sunger remembers is the trap door creaking open beneath his feet on the gallows of Arkwood Penitentiary. Now Cole is awake – aware - in a frighteningly dark realm populated by demonic creatures. Utterly perturbed by his dark supernatural locale, Cole allies himself with two other damned souls, Clancy and Lucy, and soon learns he has arrived in Hell amidst a demon uprising.

The vampire, Lazarus Kalon, is intent upon stealing the power of a shape shifter, a shaman of the Kwakiutl people. Yet, as Lazarus moves in on the shaman and the Kwakiutl village, another supernatural being comes into play, a demon with his own agenda for the Kwakiutl and who is very aware of Lazarus' presence and intent.